Sunday, January 9, 2011

My first half marathon for 2011 is done and it wasn't pretty. Yesterday we woke up really early so we could get up to the Cadbury factory before the roads closed. We made it - no problems - and I was feeling relaxed. I like small low-key events. They seem friendlier. I saw one of our squad on the line for the Marathon and gave her a cheer then headed to the loos. Yay! No queues! Found some more of the squad and chatted for a while then headed back to the loos. Boo! Really long queue. Time was getting short and the distant trees were starting to look appealing - but I stuck it out and finished with 5 mins to spare.

Short wait on the line and we were off. It was a 2 lap loop around the factory and then off down the road. My legs felt really off right from the start. I was running at 5 min pace and my legs just felt like they had nothing in them but I hoped they just needed to warm up. Didn't happen.

Coach Chris had told us that the course was flat. He lied! There were hills through the whole race. I'd read on a forum that there was a 250m rise somewhere and a hill at the end and I kept thinking that this hill must be the rise they were talking about. It wasn't until 16k that I realized that THIS was the one. And at that point I gave up mentally. It was awful! Went on and on and on ... My pace dropped to over six mins! Ugh!!! I shuffled home in a very ordinary time of 1:55. But I've since found out that everyone found the going tough - except CC who runs hills like they're not there.

So I was a little disappointed with the run. But I was devastated when I found only 1 small bar of chocolate in my post-race loot. They'd promised a sample bag of goodies . I would have preferred more chocolate to the travel mug. We ended up in the factory shop stocking up. And I think that was their plan!

We gave a couple of friends a ride back to their motel to collect their luggage then it was a mad dash back out to the factory for the presentations. Clare, from the squad had won the half and Sharon, also from the squad, had won the marathon. I have some fast friends!

Finally we found a cafe for breakfast then back to the motel for a shower, stretch and short nap then we were off again. There was a movie that we'd wanted to see in Brisbane but run out of time. I'd found it was on at a nearby Arthouse theatre. If you get a chance to see Sarah's Key go! It was such a great story.

In the evening we walked down to the docks to find somewhere to eat. It's such a beautiful area. It's the finish point for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and reeks of nautical history. The little cottages are really quaint. We wandered back to the motel slowly so we could admire and photograph them. And that was the end of day #2.

13 comments:

  1. Every race has different challenges and once again, you came out on top. Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think 1:55 is a great time - I guess it's all perspective, right? But I am right with you on the chocolate - only ONE bar??? For shame!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's always tough when you're not familiar with the course. What? One measely bar?? I lived on Cadbury's fruit and nut bars when we lived in the UK. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think you should demand a refund. One bar after all that work is just not fair.
    Good job overcoming difficulties. I would take 1:55 with a big grin on my face.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Terrific Char!

    That's not too bad considering the hills. I really can't do hills unless I'm totally peaked and fit.

    Hope it's dry down there! If the rain keeps up in the rest of Australia, Tasmania will be the bigger of the two islands!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love that the lack of chocolate was the devastating part! Sorry you didn't have a good day--it happens to us all. You'll be more motivated next time as a result, I'm sure.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sorry to hear about a disappointing race. Some days, the legs just don't have it. Sounds like a hard course to boot!

    Too bad about the lack of chocolate! Glad you made the most of the trip nonetheless.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good time taken Char, considering the hilly track. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats! Your time sounds great. Now it is your half marathon time to beat for the year! I would have wanted more chocolates too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's such a bummer when the swag doesn't live up to your expectations! 1:55 is a terrific time and this race will provide some nice perspective next time when things go easy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I was gonna tell you that 1:55 is a great time, but it matters how you feel about it. So, sorry it was a disapointing race for you. You'll get 'em next time.

    ReplyDelete
  12. 1.55 on a hilly half is good, believe me, above all if you know, before the race, that it must be flat. Mind and legs work together.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am sooo behind with blogs. So great to see some of your pictures just now. Sorry you didn't have the race you wanted...good job anyway! Bummer about the pathetic goody bag. :(

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from you.